ACS Outreach

Monthly meetings, organizations, important dates to remember etc.
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mak
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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by mak » July 19, 2017, 5:46 pm

0800 Friday. Wardens please attend.



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mak
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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by mak » July 21, 2017, 1:35 pm

Another successful Outreach session. 137 people were served. A big thank you to ACS and the three staff members who made the trip to Udon. They started at 0730 and finished at 1130.

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by parrot » July 21, 2017, 2:23 pm

Despite there being 130+ people during the 4 hours of service, my wait time (I arrived at 9:50) was less than 35 minutes. Assembly-line service...with a smile. What a deal!

I missed the two posts back in March 2017 (Gar and mak) about the American Embassy now accepting passport renewals by mail. That's one less reason to every have to go to Bangkok! Thank you!
details at https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se ... ult-renew/
I noticed a few people at today's gathering who either got bank drafts from the wrong bank or didn't have the right amount. The instructions in the ACS email and on the ACS webpage detail exact charges and even give instructions in Thai that you can hand to the teller.
Thanks, ACS!

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by FrazeeDK » July 22, 2017, 9:13 am

I was talking with one of the wardens about the "off-schedule" visit by ACS since they normally come in spring and fall. He told me that the Embassy had decided that for budgetary reasons to conduct only one ACS visit per year to the various cities throughout Thailand.. I find this a bit disturbing since I imagine the Consular fees by the 137 Americans during this visit far exceeded the costs of sending three people to Udon.. Consular operations world-wide are self-funding making billions for the U.S. State Department as well as contributing a large amount of money to the Treasury. What makes if a bit confounding to me is that the number one stated mission of the Department of State overseas is to provide assistance to American Citizens..
Dave

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Charlieb
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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by Charlieb » July 22, 2017, 10:02 am

Perhaps a letter to your Senator or Congressman?

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by Lone Star » July 22, 2017, 4:29 pm

FrazeeDK wrote:
July 22, 2017, 9:13 am
I was talking with one of the wardens about the "off-schedule" visit by ACS since they normally come in spring and fall. He told me that the Embassy had decided that for budgetary reasons to conduct only one ACS visit per year to the various cities throughout Thailand.. I find this a bit disturbing since I imagine the Consular fees by the 137 Americans during this visit far exceeded the costs of sending three people to Udon.. Consular operations world-wide are self-funding making billions for the U.S. State Department as well as contributing a large amount of money to the Treasury. What makes if a bit confounding to me is that the number one stated mission of the Department of State overseas is to provide assistance to American Citizens..
Good excuse for another 3-4 day vaca in Chiang Mai. :D :D :D
AMERICA: One of the Greatest Stories Ever Told.

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by parrot » July 22, 2017, 6:26 pm

Thanks also to the Udon wardens who help out the ACS staff!

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by FrazeeDK » July 23, 2017, 8:50 am

the wardens are a labor saver for the three consular workers.. Without the wardens they'd need a couple of more embassy staffers to organize the event..
Dave

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by mak » October 18, 2017, 1:22 pm

Next Khon Kaen Outreach Wednesday November 8.

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by ladda3904 » October 18, 2017, 2:42 pm

They have scheduled Udon in March of 2018

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mak
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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by mak » October 29, 2017, 12:58 pm

Khon Kaen Outreach 0800 Wednesday Nov. 8 Pullman Hotel.

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by RLTrader » October 29, 2017, 2:36 pm

PATTAYA: Wednesday, November 1, 2017
KHON KAEN: Wednesday, November 8, 2017

neither have been updated with info as of yet and its 10/29
and Nov 1 is in 3 days. Was planning on the KK 11/8

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se ... -outreach/

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by tutone » October 29, 2017, 5:26 pm

FrazeeDK wrote:
July 22, 2017, 9:13 am
I was talking with one of the wardens about the "off-schedule" visit by ACS since they normally come in spring and fall. He told me that the Embassy had decided that for budgetary reasons to conduct only one ACS visit per year to the various cities throughout Thailand.. I find this a bit disturbing since I imagine the Consular fees by the 137 Americans during this visit far exceeded the costs of sending three people to Udon.. Consular operations world-wide are self-funding making billions for the U.S. State Department as well as contributing a large amount of money to the Treasury. What makes if a bit confounding to me is that the number one stated mission of the Department of State overseas is to provide assistance to American Citizens..
The latest schedule shows 2 visits to Udon in 2018.

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by parrot » October 29, 2017, 6:05 pm

As I understand it.....the fees have nothing to do with outreach visits. Whether you go to ACS in Bangkok yourself or ACS comes here, you pay the same. It's a bennie......big time bennie for ACS to visit here and save 100++ people going to Bangkok. I'm trying to think of another embassy that sends its people to Udon......let's see..............................................

And as I understand it, this isn't a US issue.........most all the embassies that I'm aware of charge their citizens for passports, income affidavits, etc.

Nothing to be disturbed about. I consider myself extremely fortunate!

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by fdimike » October 29, 2017, 6:15 pm

Does anyone know whether or not the ACS Outreach team has mailing envelopes available to return a renewed passport?
An ex-pat in the Land of Smile

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by RLTrader » October 29, 2017, 7:03 pm

fdimike wrote:
October 29, 2017, 6:15 pm
Does anyone know whether or not the ACS Outreach team has mailing envelopes available to return a renewed passport?
Yes Mike they sell mailing envelopes, used it a year or 2 ago, If I remember right with the changes with Bank drafts, pretty sure they said that you will need a separate Bank draft for the envelope. So NOT a total!

But anyways, if they update the link, beside giving you the xchange rate, it will also talk about envelopes.

because they have not updated the web site with links, makes me think not coming anymore. Thanks Trump. Somewhere on site read that links would be updated 14 days before date.
With out a update not going. Usually get an email from them a few days before. Got nothing on PATTAYA

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by RLTrader » October 29, 2017, 7:21 pm

Mike from US Bangkok web site (link above)
Delivery Service: Thai Post can mail back passports for applicants. If you require this service, you must purchase and submit a separate 100 THB bank draft. Do not include the cost of the envelope in your total bank draft for services.

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by fdimike » October 29, 2017, 7:34 pm

James
A friend of mine just reminded me that I can also obtain a new passport by mail which sounds pretty convenient to me as I don't need it right now. I have 3 pages left in my current passport which doesn't expire until 2021. Our annual extension of stay is due on 1 Mar so it would be good to have them enter the extension into the new passport.
An ex-pat in the Land of Smile

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by RLTrader » October 29, 2017, 7:41 pm

fdimike wrote:
October 29, 2017, 7:34 pm
James
A friend of mine just reminded me that I can also obtain a new passport by mail which sounds pretty convenient to me as I don't need it right now. I have 3 pages left in my current passport which doesn't expire until 2021. Our annual extension of stay is due on 1 Mar so it would be good to have them enter the extension into the new passport.
Hmm, can't get pages added anymore, I think.

Also by their web site coming to Udon in March
UDON THANI: March 2018

2021 well pass my expire date. :-)

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Re: ACS Outreach

Post by mak » October 30, 2017, 11:46 am

mak wrote:
March 12, 2017, 11:38 am
Renewal of passport by mail.

You may renew your passport by mail and/or change the name on your passport if all the following are true about you most recent U. S. Passport:
•Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
•Was issued when you were age 16 or older
•Was issued within the last 15 years
•Was issued in your current name or you would like to change your name due to marriage

If all the above statements are true, please follow these instructions:
1.Documents to submit: •Your most recent passport and one photocopy of the passport personal data page
•One passport photograph, 2in x 2in (5cm x 5cm) set against a white background, taken in the last six months. No eyeglasses allowed in passport photos.
For specific photo instructions, please refer to the website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passpor ... mples.html
NOTE: Photos that do not meet these requirements will be rejected.
•Completed and signed Form DS-82. -The form must be completed electronically and printed. A form completed by hand could delay processing times. Make sure to provide a valid e-mail address and local contact number on the application form. https://travel.state.gov/content/passpo ... forms.html

•If your name has changed via marriage, please provide your original marriage certificate.*‡
•Printed checklist (PDF 239KB) including full return address.

2.Method of payment: •The non-refundable application fee for an adult passport book renewal is $110 (+$30 if applying for a passport card as well) which must be made in the form of a BANK DRAFT in THB. **All Bank Drafts must be: •Purchased from Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, or Siam Commercial Bank(SCB). •You do not need an account at the bank to purchase a bank draft.
•Kasikorn Bankcalls a “bank draft” a “Bill of Exchange.”

•Made out to “American Embassy Bangkok”
•In the exact amount of Thai Baht (THB) for your total services (i.e., both passport book and card if you are opening that)
•Must have been issued within the last six months.
•At the official embassy exchange rate posted on our website.
•You can show this to the bank:
ลูกค้าท่านนี้ต้องการซื้อแบงค์ดร๊าฟ(สกุลเงินบาทเท่านั้น)
ตามจำนวนเงินที่ระบุด้านหลังสั่งจ่ายถึง
“American Embassy Bangkok”
รบกวนช่วยอำนวยความสะดวกให้ด้วยค่ะ

•Delivery Service: You must purchase and submit a separate 100 THB bank draft to pay for a return envelope. Do not include the cost of the envelope in your total bank draft for services.

Cashiers’ checks, personal checks, cash, credit or any other form of payment will not be accepted. DO NOT INCLUDE CASH WITH YOUR MAIL-IN APPLICATION.

3.Send your documents to the Embassy. There is no need to book an appointment for this type of application. Address all shipments to:

Passport-by-Mail Service
ACS/Consular Section,
U.S. Embassy,
95 Wireless Road,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
•Sending services: You may send your application to the Embassy through Thai post (EMS or Register Service) or other courier services such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS. We suggest you choose a service that will provide you with a tracking number.
4.We will notify you by email when the new U.S. passport will be returned to you approximately three weeks after your application is received. •Using the separate 100THB Bank Draft to purchase a Pass Back envelope, the American Embassy will write the address you list on your checklist.
•The Embassy will then send you the expired U.S. passport (cancelled by the Embassy), the new U.S. passport, a letter to Thai Immigration to facilitate the transfer of your visa stamps, and if applicable, your original marriage certificate.


Note: Social Security number (SSN) is required for all passport applications. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit a signed and dated “Declaration of No Social Security Number.” (PDF 81KB) This document does not need to be notarized.

*If you have changed your name by any other means you are required to apply for the passport in person. Please book an appointment, please see ACS Appointment System.

**If you have marked for BOTH services (Passport Book and Card) on application, but Bank draft has issued for only one service. The other service will be automatically not issued. Please note the passport card will take one month longer to process. If you would like them returned to you separately please send a 200THB bank draft for the purchase of two return envelopes.

If you have urgent travel in less than two weeks, please visit our website and read about “Emergency Passports.”

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